'One for the lads' is launching a new mental health group for women
The group, which helps get men talking about their mental health problems, launched in November 2019
Last updated 18th Feb 2021
A Scunthorpe mental health support group called 'One for the lads' is now launching a dedicated group for women in the area.
When the group first started they met face to face to talk to one another, but since the pandemic that hasn't been possible because of the restrictions in place. Instead they've been speaking to people, confidentially, online.
"I think many people have been struggling with their mental health, but the pandemic highlighted that for them."
Des Comerford, one of the co-founders says speaking online has actually helped some people to speak out about how they're feeling for the first time:
"This has actually opened it up a little bit more, giving people the strength to contact us, because it's not actually face to face, they can't see us, we can't see them.
"We can learn quite a lot from the pandemic and introduce things when we do go back face to face.
"One of the biggest battles is getting that person to walk into that room, maybe we can engage like we are now and then encourage them to have that strength to walk through that door.
"I think many people have been struggling with their mental health to varying degrees, but the pandemic has highlighted that for them."
'One for the girls' is set to launch next week, which will be led by Rebecca Cross and Bev Johnston, alongside several other women, who are all from professional backgrounds.
Just like the men's group, they'll be meeting online, until restrictions change.
"My life has slowed down, the pandemic has magnified my problems."
Graeme Johnson, one of the co-founders of One for the lads, explains what the pandemic has been like for him and his mental health:
"I don't mind admitting and telling the world I've been on a psychiatric ward, and there is hope for everybody and there is a future for everybody.
"When you just digest everything in life, there's certain things you don't need to know and certain pressure you don't need to put on yourself and I know a lot of people do.
"My personal mental health has suffered as well, it's not easy, if you've got mental health problems, it's not a quick fix, it takes a long time, a lot of counselling and a hell of a lot of bravery to admit you've got a problem in the first place.
"My life has slowed down, the pandemic has magnified my problems."